Destination: San Diego

Try the rattlesnake eggs if you happen to stop by the Barrett Junction Cafe.

I

t's no secret that San Diego is a hit with tourists, thanks to perfect weather, Pacific beaches, and attractions like Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. But sometimes travelers are looking to avoid the crowds, so we took a look at two out of the way destinations in the area, plus one famous spot that promises to be more relaxing than the most well-known tourist traps, provided your golf game is in shape. We experienced all three of these locations on a recent press launch, and here's our take.

Yeah that's a 55 lb. fish.

We'll start with The Lodge at Torrey Pines (www.lodgetorreypines.com) and the two golf courses (www.torreypinesgolf.com) that sit on the property. Thanks to its location (and the associated ocean views) and the fact that it's a yearly stop on the PGA Tour (as well as host to the 2008 U.S. Open), Torrey Pines has generated quite the following from golf fans over the years. The Lodge isn't cheap, and nor is the golf (unless you live in San Diego County), but the courses are open to the public (although there may be a waiting list). The nearby Torrey Pines State Park (www.torreypine.org) provides running trails and beach access. If you have the means, it may be worth the hike to La Jolla to use Torrey Pines as your home base.

If you like pie, particularly good old-fashioned apple pie, Julian Pie Company (www.julianpie.com) should be your next stop. There are two retail outlets—one is in Julian, naturally, and the factory store is nearby in Santa Ysabel. The company, founded in 1986, is known for its apple pie, but we sampled the blueberry last time we were in town, and found it to be quite excellent.

Lastly, if your travels take you close to the Mexican border, a stop at the Barrett Junction Café (www.barrettjunctioncafe.com) might be in order. This former World War II dance hall has now become a haven for bikers and other travelers who need to make a stop on the otherwise sparsely populated Highway 94. Known for fish fries, BBQ, and a breakfast buffet, this place caught our eye do to the kitschy décor and the 55 lb fish (caught in 2002) that hangs from the wall. Try the rattlesnake eggs if you happen to stop by.

There's plenty to do in and around San Diego, but we enjoyed our time at those three locations. It's hard not to.